Collections Law/collection agency letter

QuestionHi, I appreciate very much your advice. I'm trying to settle credit card debt. Collection agency sent letter of settlement offer for 60% reduction lump sum pay as one of options. If i want to accept, is this type of letter enough to keep as written confirmation and it's safe to just send out the check? Is it ok if the check is from a third party? Thank you!

AnswerThank you for your question. Make sure the letter has the account number and name of the original creditor. Send a certified letter with the check confirming the fact that the payment you are sending is to settle the account in full. Be sure to keep their original letter offering the settlement as well as a copy of the letter you send with the payment in a safe place so that you can locate if the need arises. Just to forewarn you, keeping these letters in a safe place is important. I have heard of several cases where the balance was sold to another collection agency as an owed debt so, protect yourself. I wish you the beer with this situation. If you need further assistance, please send me a follow up question.

Expertise

I am qualified to answer questions on the following subjects: FDCPA, FCRA and HIPAA as well as medical collections, general collections and collection agency related issues. I trained these subjects at a nationwide collection agency and customer service call center and audited around 150 representatives for compliance to the laws. I have been in the Collections Industry for over 30 years. I feel that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with compassion and that is the way I trained collectors. Even though I worked for a Collection Agency, I get great satisfaction in helping those who have been mistreated or in need of help with these confusing issues.

Experience

I was the Compliance Administrator with a nationwide collection agency and customer service call center-I have trained hundreds of collectors on the above referenced topics. I have been in the medical collections industry for over twenty years and research these topics on a daily basis.

OrganizationsACA International

Education/CredentialsSome college
ACA Certified Collection Specialist

Past/Present ClientsI am retired due to medical conditions and spend a good deal of time keeping current on collection issues.